Idioms and Phrases MCQs with Answers & Explanations (Page 18)

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'in a class of one's own' means to be unique and superior to everyone else in a particular skill. Being 'far better than his competitors' is a direct explanation of this idiom. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'give free rein' means to grant someone full autonomy and control over something. It comes from the idea of dropping the reins to let a horse run freely. Managing a project 'as he sees fit' is the definition of having this freedom. Option (b) is the correct meaning. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) and (d) are the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'at loggerheads' means to be engaged in a dispute or conflict. Having opposing political views is a common source of such disagreement. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (d) are the opposite. Option (c) is a literal misinterpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a rough patch' (or 'a bad patch') refers to a period of time marked by problems or hardship. A company facing financial or operational trouble would be going through a rough patch. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'live from hand to mouth' describes a precarious existence of having only enough resources to satisfy immediate needs, with no money left for the future. Being worried about one's next meal is a hallmark of this situation. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are the opposite. Option (c) is a literal misinterpretation.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'bounce ideas off someone' means to share one's ideas with another person to get their feedback and opinion. This is a common practice in creative collaboration, such as between comedians. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a similar but different idiom ('throw something at the wall...'). Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is an incorrect interpretation of 'chemistry'.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'in the firing line' means to be in a position where one is vulnerable to attack, criticism, or dismissal. A team's poor performance often puts its coach or captain in this position. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is an incorrect interpretation of 'firing'.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'blow a fuse' means to lose one's temper and become very angry. It is a metaphor based on an electrical fuse blowing when overloaded. A cancelled flight is a common trigger for such an outburst. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'an ace up one's sleeve' comes from card games and refers to a hidden advantage that is kept in reserve until the opportune moment. In a debate, this could be a powerful, unexpected argument. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal origin. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is a profession that uses similar tricks, but it is not the meaning of the idiom.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'on cloud nine' describes a state of extreme happiness. The birth of a child is a life event that typically brings such joy. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a feather in one's cap' refers to a significant achievement that brings credit and honor to a person. A company's success would be a proud accomplishment for its leader. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is the literal origin. Option (b) is the opposite. Option (d) is an understatement.

**Rule: Understanding Phrasal Verbs.** The phrasal verb 'add up' in this context means to seem reasonable or consistent; to make sense. The sentence uses the negative ('don't add up') to indicate that the stories are contradictory, which is why the police are suspicious. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated quality.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'at the mercy of' means to be in the power of someone or something, with no way to protect oneself from their potentially harmful actions. A small country is often in this vulnerable position relative to larger, more powerful ones. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a possible but not necessary outcome. Option (c) and (d) are the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'ups and downs' refers to the mixture of good and bad experiences that happen in life or in a relationship. The statement implies that the friendship has endured through both fortunate and difficult periods. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) and (d) are literal misinterpretations. Option (c) is an incomplete picture.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'a way with words' describes a person who has a talent for using language effectively and eloquently. The ability to make a boring subject interesting is a clear demonstration of this skill. Option (a) is the correct definition. Option (b) is a literal misinterpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is a profession related to words, but not the meaning of the idiom.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'hang in the balance' means that the future of something is uncertain and depends on the outcome of a particular event. Awaiting a crucial court decision would put a company's future in this precarious state. Option (c) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal misinterpretation. Options (b) and (d) are the opposite.

**Rule: Understanding Idiomatic Expressions.** The idiom 'barking up the wrong tree' means to be following a false lead or misdirecting one's efforts or blame. It comes from hunting, where a dog might bark at the base of a tree where it thinks its quarry is, even after the animal has escaped. Blaming the wrong department for one's own error is a perfect example. Option (b) is the correct definition. Option (a) is a literal interpretation. Option (c) is the opposite. Option (d) is an unrelated profession.

The idiom 'by leaps and bounds' means to happen very quickly or with rapid progress.

To 'fall short' means to fail to reach a target or to have no effect/impact on the intended audience.

The phrase 'called for' in this context means to require or demand something authoritative.